The concept of IUGR needs to be expanded, its definition clarified, and the 5 types of IUGR separated!

Part I of this two-part study presents the MDN method (Maturity, Development, Nourishment), which is an examination method that allows for the simultaneous examination and evaluation of the weight and length development, as well as the nourishment status of fetuses and neonates. The authors processed the data of 1,244,918 Hungarian neonates born over a 13-year period (2000-2012), which was provided by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. The MDN percentile matrix created by the authors is an 8 by 8 grid consisting of 64 cells. The matrix has a dedicated cell for every possible combination of physical development. The Total Perinatal Mortality (TPM, stillbirth + infant mortality) value and the number of cases were calculated for each individual cell of the MDN-matrix. Through this process, it was determined that higher than average TPM occurs not only in the case of a lack of weight development, but also in the case of a lack of length development, as well as in the case of extreme conditions of nourishment. Based on the above, it was proposed to separate intrauterine growth retardation into 5 distinct types. The methodology was also deemed acceptable to be used during the screening of fetuses and neonates that are considered to be at high risk due to their intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) condition.